Miami Truck Driver Fatigue Lawyer

Being drowsy behind the wheel is one of the most dangerous things a trucker can do, because drowsy driving impacts every  aspect of operating a motor vehicle. If you were hit by a truck driver, there is a high chance they were nodding off at the wheel or driving while dangerously sleep deprived. A Miami truck driver fatigue lawyer at Spencer Morgan Law will be able to get to the bottom of what really happened.

The Dangers of Fatigued Driving

• Impaired Vision—Drowsy drivers have difficulty focusing their eyes, noticing objects in their peripheral vision, and seeing in low light settings.
• Poor Judgment—Not only is vision impaired for drowsy truckers, but their ability to judge speed, distance, and even safe decision making is impaired.
• Delayed Reaction Time—Drowsy drivers are less likely to see a slowing vehicle up ahead and begin slowing themselves in time before they run into the back of it, for example.
• Reduced Body Motor Control—The trucker may have their eyes open, they may be paying attention to their best ability, and they may react as quickly as they possibly can in their fatigued state, but their fatigue will still impair their ability to steer, apply the brakes, and even let off on the accelerator. .

Of course, drowsy and fatigued driving also includes falling asleep at the wheel and closing one’s eyes for brief periods of time. If a trucker were to close their eyes for just ten seconds as they doze off, they would travel multiple football fields if they were traveling at highway speeds.

Department of Transportation Trucker Rest Break Laws

There are over a dozen hours of service laws imposed on truck drivers by the Department of Transportation. For example, truck drivers must take a 30 minute break for every eight cumulative hours driven. Additionally, they cannot be “on duty” for more than 14 hours within a 24 hour period. During this 14 “on duty” period of time, they cannot drive more than 11 hours total. And, they cannot be on duty for more than 60 hours in seven consecutive days, or 70 hours in eight consecutive days. This may sound complex, but truckers and trucking companies fully understand, or are at least required to fully understand, all of these regulations. They are also required to keep accurate time logs, reporting their duty hours and breaks. Analyzing a trucker’s hourly log may help to prove that the truck driver was fatigued and responsible for causing the crash. However, it is, of course, possible to be fatigued even if these regulations are followed to a T. Fatigued driving is fatigued driving; it does not matter if the driver’s logs prove that they took the legally required rest breaks. If they caused the crash, they will be held liable.

Call a Miami Truck Company Liability Lawyer Today

Truck drivers have a large responsibility to other road users. Driving while fatigued is violating that duty of care. If you were injured in a truck collision, do not wait any longer to speak to a Miami truck driver fatigue lawyer about filing a personal injury claim. Call Spencer Morgan Law at 305-423-3800 to schedule a free consultation today.